Beer and the beer industry have undergone significant changes over the last 40 years, so much so that beer now competes with wine as the beverage of choice to accompany a meal. Charlie Bamforth, often described as “the world’s most knowledgeable beer researcher,” will discuss the recent global evolution of the brewing industry.

Professor Bamforth, whose background includes a lengthy period with England’s legendary Bass Brewing Company, will touch on whether there is such a thing as craft beer, why beer is the best accompaniment to food, why beer is healthier than wine and why there is a beer for everyone.

His talk, part of the Brainfood Talk series sponsored by the UC Davis Emeriti Association, is free and open to the public. Brown-bag lunchers are welcome to come at 11:30; coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. Professor Bamforth’s talk will begin at noon. For more information, contact the UC Davis Retiree Center, (530) 752-5182, retireecenter@ucdavis.edu.